US makes offer to bring home jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. Russia rejected it

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The Biden administration has recently put forth a significant proposal aimed at securing the release of two American detainees, Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. However, the Russian government has rejected this offer, as reported by the State Department on Tuesday.

Matthew Miller, the department’s spokesman, did not disclose the specifics of the proposal or the reasons behind Russia’s refusal. Nonetheless, this revelation underscores the ongoing efforts by Washington to negotiate with Moscow for the return of both individuals.

“This was a newly crafted proposal, developed in recent weeks. It held substantial significance,” stated Miller. “Regrettably, the Russians declined it, but this setback will not deter us from persisting in our efforts to bring both of them back home.”

The U.S. government has consistently maintained that both Whelan and Gershkovich are wrongfully detained.

Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan, has been in Russian custody since his arrest in December 2018 on charges related to espionage. These charges have been contested by both Whelan and the U.S. government. He was subsequently sentenced to a 16-year prison term.

Evan Gershkovich, a journalist with the Wall Street Journal, was apprehended in March while on an assignment in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, situated approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) east of Moscow. Gershkovich and his employer have refuted the allegations, with Russian authorities failing to present concrete evidence to support the espionage charges. Just last week, a Russian court extended his detention until January 30.

Miller emphasized, “Their initial arrests were unwarranted, and they should be released immediately. We have put forth numerous proposals, including a substantial one in recent weeks. Our commitment remains unwavering in working tirelessly to secure the return of Evan and Paul Whelan. For the Secretary of State, there is no higher priority, and for the president, this issue is of paramount importance.”

In July 2022, Secretary of State Antony Blinken disclosed that the U.S. had presented a substantial proposal to Moscow for the release of both WNBA star Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan. Although Griner was ultimately released in December through a prisoner exchange involving notorious Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout, Whelan was not included in the arrangement.

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